Also, Hank, I know that you have posted several times that you do not mix audio until in post, but when I spoke with B&H, maybe I did not make myself clear, because they recommended the 4 channel mixer that I got as well as the Beachtek adapter that is then needed for the VX2100. Should I just plug my mics into the Beachtek adapter that I have, then? I guess I'm not sure how that works in recording the audio separately. Maybe you can direct me to a post that has already happened that discusses this issue - obviously I misunderstood something.
I would return the mixer (especially since it blew-up!) :lol:
Those are great for live broadcasts, if you can have someone constantly monitor and control the mixer, but not for what we do. By bringing each input into its own channel, you retain the ability to work with them individually in post, adjusting volume, cleaning the sound, etc. as needed. Once you mix them together, they are "married" and there is no divorce.
About the camera in the balcony...I thought I was being pretty clever given the spot the minister wanted me to man the camera, but now I see your point...I definitely learned the hard way! In a church with no side aisles - just one center aisle and a balcony, where would you put that one manned camera? The minister basically directed me to put my manned camera behind his right shoulder, which was directly behind the groomsmen. Had I stayed there, I would have only got a shot of the bride and groom once they got to the altar. I would not have been able to get any close-ups of the singers, speakers, or unity candle. Should I have asked to place my manned camera somewhere out in the pews, instead? I didn't want to aggrivate the minister, as he too seemed a little bothered by a videographer's presence.
I think you mean the minister's LEFT shoulder (as he faces the guests). Yes, the groomsmen can be a problem. That is why we go to rehearsals and make sure there will be a two-foot gap between the best man and the groom, to shoot through.
This (behind groomsmen) is the best position (camera #1) because it allows the best view of the bride. Note that when shooting in forward wing positions (on guests side), it is still on the groomsmen side that we have the best view of the bride.
Situations can differ, but usually the best position for the static cam a two-cam shoot woud be in the rear, set wide, because if the camera is positioned properly, this camera just cannot be blocked - it will allways offer a shot to cut to. Next, is behind bridesmaids. This position offers best view of the groom. Since we don't use as many closeups of the groom as the bride, I usually do lots of mediums and fulls as well as shots of parents, etc. from this position which we usually man with camera #2.
Maybe I need to assert myself a little more...by staying in the background as I did, I think I missed a lot of great shots. I have watched Adam's promo video several times, and it seems that he is not shy about getting his shots, especially on the dance floor.
First off - Adam is an artistic genius. I could get the world's best steadicam, and spend the rest of my life practicing video creativity and I'll never approach his level of talent. But my videos are improving creatively thanks to his setting the bar so high and my crude attempts to rip off his shots.
(Strange to use the word "creatively" when I'm not being the least bit creative - just trying to copy some really great stuff done by others.)Yes - you do need to be assertive. This is one of those things rarely talked about that we cover in our course. It is best to be on friendly terms with photogs and officiants BUT they MUST respect you. The respect is more important than the "friendly" !
Being six-foot-two, sixty years old and in decent physical shape, helps a lot. It is more difficult to command respect when you're shorter, younger, etc. but it can be done without too much effort, really. (I think that setting up that jib and hanging an FX1 on it got me a lot of respect in my last wedding!) :lol:
The way you carry yourself, look directly into people's eyes and speak and move with confidence, will go a long ways toward gaining respect. Having respect of your clients, their guests, photogs, DJs, etc. really makes your job easier.
Having a high, wide-angle cam covering the entire floor and then two manned-cameras set ninety-degrees apart, will almost guarantee you'll effectively cover cake-cutting; bouquet; garter; dancing; etc. But do not allow photogs to stand in front of your cameras. Politely, with a smile, but firmly, ask them to step aside and not block your cameras.
